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Error code reference

Amana Dryer Error Code SH

Thermistor is shorted or the temperature near the thermistor has risen above 175°F, causing the control to…

Amana codesAmana dryer codes

Thermistor is shorted or the temperature near the thermistor has risen above 175°F, causing the control to display a shorted condition.

First step from the service manual

Disconnect electric power to dryer and remove front panel and control hood; check for shorted wiring between control terminals and thermistor.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What SH means on a Amana dryer

The SH error code indicates the control board has detected a shorted thermistor circuit or a temperature reading above 175°F at the thermistor location. When either condition is present, the control enters a safety shutdown to prevent further operation. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor mounted inside the dryer that continuously reports drum or exhaust temperatures to the control board. A short in the wiring between the control and thermistor terminals produces a resistance reading of zero ohms, which the control interprets as an extreme temperature condition, triggering the same shutdown response as actual overheating.

For homeowners, the SH code means your dryer has detected a potential overheating problem or a wiring fault and has shut itself off as a safety precaution. Either the sensor itself has failed, the wires connecting it have shorted together, or the dryer is genuinely running too hot. In any of these situations, the control board stops the cycle to protect the machine and prevent a fire hazard.

Diagnosis starts with disconnecting power, removing the front panel and control hood, and inspecting the wiring harness between the control board and thermistor terminals for damaged or pinched wires. After a visual inspection, measuring resistance across the thermistor terminals with a multimeter confirms whether the thermistor itself is shorted or functioning within its normal range.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SH

  1. 01

    Shorted wiring harness between control and thermistor

    Part replacement

    Wires in the harness running from the control board to the thermistor can chafe, pinch, or melt together, creating a short circuit. This causes the control to read zero resistance and immediately trigger the SH safety shutdown even if the thermistor itself is functional.

  2. 02

    Failed thermistor (internal short)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself can fail internally, causing its resistance to drop to near zero ohms regardless of actual temperature. A multimeter reading of zero or near-zero ohms across the thermistor terminals confirms this failure.

  3. 03

    Actual overheating near thermistor location

    Wiring / connection

    If exhaust airflow is severely restricted by a clogged lint trap, blocked vent duct, or failed blower, temperatures at the thermistor can genuinely exceed 175°F, triggering the SH shutdown. In this case the thermistor and wiring may both be intact.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the wiring harness and thermistor both test within normal resistance ranges, the control board itself may be misreading the thermistor circuit due to a failed input circuit on the board. This is the least likely cause and should only be suspected after ruling out wiring and thermistor faults.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SH

What does the SH error code mean on an Amana dryer?
SH means the control board has detected either a shorted thermistor circuit or a temperature above 175°F near the thermistor. In response, the control enters a safety shutdown and stops the dryer from running. The issue can be a wiring short between the control and thermistor, a failed thermistor, or an actual overheating condition caused by restricted airflow.
Is it safe to keep using my Amana dryer when the SH code is displayed?
No. The SH code triggers a safety shutdown specifically because the control has detected a condition that could lead to overheating or fire. You should not attempt to bypass or ignore the shutdown. Leave the dryer off and unplugged until the cause is diagnosed and corrected.
How do I fix the SH error code on my Amana dryer?
Start by disconnecting power, then remove the front panel and control hood to access the wiring between the control board and thermistor. Visually inspect for any pinched, burned, or shorted wires and repair or replace the harness if needed. Next, use a multimeter to measure resistance across the thermistor terminals. A reading near zero ohms indicates a shorted thermistor that needs replacement. If the wiring and thermistor test normal, check that the lint trap and exhaust duct are fully clear before suspecting the control board.
How much does it cost to fix the SH code on an Amana dryer?
If a thermistor is the cause, the part typically costs between $10 and $30, making it one of the more affordable dryer repairs if you are comfortable doing it yourself. A wiring harness replacement can range from $20 to $60 for the part. If a professional appliance technician handles the repair, expect to add $75 to $150 in labor depending on your area. Control board replacement is the most expensive scenario, often running $100 to $200 for the part alone.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause the SH error code on an Amana dryer?
Yes. If airflow is restricted enough by a clogged lint trap or blocked exhaust duct, temperatures at the thermistor location can rise above 175°F, triggering the SH shutdown even when the thermistor and wiring are both in good condition. Before replacing any parts, clean the lint trap and inspect the full length of the exhaust duct for blockages. If clearing the vent resolves the SH code, the thermistor and wiring did their jobs correctly.

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